Pew Research Center associate director of research Aaron Smith said in a release introducing the study: "As with many other aspects of child rearing, today’s parents take a wide range of approaches to managing and monitoring their teen’s online behavior. Nearly all parents talk with their teenage children about appropriate and inappropriate behavior online. But beyond those discussions, some parents allow their children to operate relatively independently and with minimal oversight, while others take a much more active role in keeping tabs on their child’s day-to-day online life."

Research analyst Monica Anderson, lead author of the report, added: "Teens use digital media to navigate all aspects of their day-to-day lives–from participating in schoolwork to interacting with their friends or engaging with potential romantic partners. Accordingly, taking away cellphone or Internet privileges can be one of the most potent discipline tools available to today’s parents."